GOES-R & JPSS: The Future of Weather Satellites

1-min Imagery for Thunderstorms in Colorado

On 07 June 2017, GOES-East RSO was requested by WFO Pueblo given the threat for strong/severe thunderstorms, and lack of GOES-16 data until 2100 UTC due to testing. Additionally, a GOES-16 1-min mesoscale sector was moved to cover Colorado once GOES-16 testing ended. The availability of imagery was timely, as strong thunderstorms had begin to develop across southern Colorado. Of particular concern was the development of thunderstorms near and over area burn scars.

Forecasters were monitoring the 1-min visible and IR imagery as thunderstorms developed near the Junkins burn scar (southwest of Pueblo) from a late 2016 wildfire. The 1-min imagery provided the most up-to-date information on where new updrafts were developing. Updrafts could be seen redeveloping to the north of already developed thunderstorms on a track toward the burn scar prior to clear signatures on radar. A severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warning were issued shortly thereafter as the thunderstorm strengthened and moved over the burn scar. Storms would maintain strength as they moved east over the plains, prompting several more severe thunderstorm warnings.

“The GOES-16 data posted on this page are preliminary, non-operational data and are undergoing testing. Users bear all responsibility for inspecting the data prior to use and for the manner in which the data are utilized.”